Keener will serve as the Distinguished Chair in Agricultural Technology and Education from February through May, teaching classes to 120 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students. He also will help train colleagues and industry representatives in Russia on food safety, food technology and food security.

Keener said the fellowship will benefit his Purdue Extension food science activities and research program.

"Additionally, it shines a spotlight on Purdue and further enhances the food science department's and Purdue University's reputation as a world-leading institution," Keener said.

Keener's research into food processing engineering has led to his inventions including a process for rapidly cooling eggs to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella. He also developed a radiant fryer, which can cook food that retains its "fried" flavor while containing up to 50 percent less fat and fewer calories than food cooked using conventional deep-fried methods.

"Dr. Keener continues to lead the way in developing new technologies aimed at improving the health and safety of our foods," said Brian Farkas, head of Purdue's food science department. "That he has been awarded this prestigious fellowship is no surprise."